When you need to relocate a chrysalis, use caution! They know how to attach themselves securely and we need to know the tricks to removing a butterfly chrysalis (pupa) (not cocoon) or we can break a chrysalis open.

Swallowtails and chrysalises which are attached with a 'girdle'.

The girdle is so strong that in a tug where the strand and chrysalis are in a battle, the strand often wins, cutting into the chrysalis. There are three major choices; 1) Use scissors or a knife, cut the silk girdle before loosening the silk at the base of the chrysalis, 2) dampen the silk and wait a few seconds before gently easing it off the item to which it is attached (tip by Mona Miller), or 3) use a sharp instrument to loosen the silk from the item to which it is attached.

The silk girdle holds the chrysalis tight

Using scissors, the silk girdleis cut loose.

Chrysalises attached by a creamaster alone.

A chrysalis attaches much like Velcro attaches. The cremaster is made of many hooks which tangle tightly in the loops of the silk pad woven by the caterpillar. To remove a chrysalis, either 1) dampen the silk (tip by Mona Miller), 2) use a tool to gently lift the silk, or 3) VERY gently ease the silk by hand from the object to which it is attached.

If you pull the chrysalis, it is easy to break the chrysalis at the base of the cremaster.